My visit to your country is drawing to a close. Though brief, it has been
graced with encounters that have made me feel part of you, and part of your history,
and they have given me the opportunity to confirm the faith of the pilgrim
Church in Croatia in Jesus Christ, our only Saviour. That faith, which came to
you through the brave witness of many of your brothers and sisters, some of
whom did not hesitate to die for Christ and his Gospel, I have found to be
alive and sincere. Let us give thanks to God for the abundant gifts of grace
which he dispenses generously on the daily path of his sons and daughters! I
wish to thank everyone who helped in the planning and the smooth progress of my
visit.

These days have left a deep impression on my mind and my heart. The people’s
participation in this morning’s celebration of Mass on the occasion of the
National Day of Croatian Catholic Families was unanimous and heartfelt. In
yesterday’s gathering at the National Theatre I was able to share some thoughts
with representatives of civil society and religious communities. The young
people present at the prayer vigil showed me the radiant face of Croatia turned
towards the future, illumined by a sincere faith, like the flame of a precious
lamp handed down by our forebears for us to guard and replenish along the way.
The prayer at the tomb of Blessed Cardinal Stepinac reminded us in a special
way of all who have suffered - and still suffer today - on account of their
faith in the Gospel. Let us continue to invoke the intercession of this
fearless witness of the Risen Lord, so that every sacrifice, every trial
offered to God out of love for him and for our neighbour, may be like the grain
of wheat fallen to the ground that dies so as to bear fruit.

It was a joy for me to experience today the vitality of your people’s
long-standing Christian tradition. I could sense it in the warm welcome given
to me by the people, just as they welcomed Blessed John Paul II on his three
visits, recognizing them as visits from the Successor of Peter who comes to
confirm his brothers in the faith. This ecclesial vitality, which must be
maintained and strengthened, will surely have positive results for society as a
whole, thanks to the cooperation between the Church and public institutions
which it is hoped will always be serene and fruitful. At a time when stable and
trustworthy reference points seem to be lacking, Christians united "together
in Christ", the cornerstone, can continue to act as the "soul"
of the Nation, helping it to develop and to make progress.

As I leave for Rome, I place all of you in the hands of God. May he who is
infinite providence, the giver of all good things, always bless the land and
the people of Croatia; may he grant peace and prosperity to every family. May
the Virgin Mary watch over the historic journey of your homeland and of the
whole of Europe. And let my Apostolic Blessing, which I offer you with great
affection, accompany you on your way.